As everyone began to disperse, Drago escorted his sisters back to their rooms. "When we get Niccolo back, what do you two plan on doing? Personally, I'd feel better if you got as far away from Zahvroma as possible."
Alethiro smiled, "That's true. It took me some time to find the right piece of wood on the beach, not to mention Corda's help in finding the pearls." After a moment of thought, "We really should check up on her."
She nods at him happily as they make their way into the fort. Once they get to Skaar's room Arista knocks gently on the door.
rap rap rap
"Corda...sweetie are you in there?"
Esmerelda folds her arms. "Didn't you end up on another continent because of Alexandros? It seems to me that nowhere is really safe. Besides, I quite like it here."
"And Sir Andimus is a fountain of knowledge," Divitia adds. "I have been wasting my talents in Ermea and Niccolo could do wonders for that man's house. The stereotypes of wizards living in messy homes is proven by Michael."
There came a loud thud as something smashed against the door. "Go away!" You hear her through the door. Perched on a rafter above the door, Talia chimes in, *Bawk* She's a little upset. *Bawk*"
Drago couldn't help but smirk at their responses, "There's no way I can convince either you otherwise is there?" He remarked in a slightly defeated tone.
Arista looks up at Talia, "I understand that...but I need to talk to her."
"Like you said yourself, you wanted family that didn't want to kill you. Here we are," Esmerelda says, putting an arm around the back of Drago's neck.
Looking at Alethiro she shakes her head, not one to give up so easily she squares her shoulders and tries another approach.
Taking on a more motherly tone she addresses Corda again, "Corda, I know that you're upset, and I don't blame you. I would be too, but I need to talk to you."
Divitia takes a deep breath. "This is a grand undertaking, Drago. This is about providing people second chances, people who have suffered under poverty, people who struggle against tyrants, people who feel powerless. This is a chance for people who dream grandiose dreams and want to fulfill them. This a chance to get out from these comfortable lives that we have lived, fulfilling everyone else's expectations. This is a chance to learn more about our world, to learn our history and our culture.
"This is a chance to heal wrongs that have been left forgotten. This is a chance to save not only ourselves, but the world itself. There are dark forces at work here, more than the ones we can see. Things that have been planning our destruction from the earliest days. If we turn and run away, we will lose everything."
She looks at her half-brother, her eyes filled with fear and determination. "This is a chance to learn about our past and our future as the children of Chalandra. She may have bore us into this world for her own ends, but we can take our destiny back. There is no point in worrying about success or failure. If we can't honestly say that we've given it out best, then there's no point in going anywhere else. Our greatest failure will be never trying, never making our lives our own.
If I had stopped Niccolo, there's no telling what we would be left with. But I knew...he wanted to give us this chance, to give you the benefit of the doubt. He sees something in you that I don't. Despite his years with books, he understands people better than I ever could. I favor a methodical approach to everything. He has...faith. I would do him a great disservice if I didn't try to get along with you, to make Valwick a better place...to give him a better place where he didn't feel like a monster or a stranger."
She licks her lips and sighs. "Don't be chivalrous because you're worried that you'll fail. That's not going to affect my perception of you."
Bidding Elder Sister goodnight, Sādhanā wraps an arm around Clara's waist as they walk back to the fort, the smoldering heat that had been building in them both bringing a rosy blush to her face and chest as they head towards the privacy of their room.
The sound of angry footsteps can be heard approaching the door. After hearing the distinctive click of the lock, the door violently swings open and there stands Corda. The young witch's hair is way longer than it should be and flailing about as if it was in water. "I said, " She then slams and locks the door.
Drago just shook his head and threw his hands up, "Alright, I give. I can't win an argument with either of you. Or Elena for that matter." After making sure they reached their room, "I bid you goodnight my siblings." He said with a bow.
The Dhampir made his way back his room, and removed his cloak. Draping it over a chair, he made his way over to the bed and sat down. Looking at Elena's sleeping form, Drago reached out and lightly ran his fingers down her shoulders.
Arista just stays by the door, refusing to let the young woman have her way. Corda wasn't the only one that could be stubborn. "You know what? I've had about enough of your nonsense young lady. Either you can open this door and talk to me in a civilized manner, or I can go get your father and have him talk to you. What would he say if he knew you were acting this way? It's okay to feel angry, but at some point you are going to have to let go of that....." She takes a breath to calm herself and tries to relax, sighing she finally relents,"Fine, if you really want me to go away, then...I will, but I wish you wouldn't shut all of us out. I'm going to be leaving tomorrow to face Vencious. Alelthiro will be staying here in town, if there is ever anything you need...just ask." She looks helplessly at Alethiro as she waits to see if Corda is going to respond at all to anything she said. She feels awful about everything that has happened, but most especially for Corda and her child. She so desperately wanted to try and help the young woman, but she knew deep inside that such things could never be forced.
Silence ensued from the other side of the door for a few moments, then the lock clicked, and the door came ajar.
Arista looks at Alethiro before entering the room, "Maybe you could wait for me in my room? I'm sorry, but I really think this needs to be a girl talk. I'll be there as soon as I can, I promise." Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, she slips inside the room before closing the door.
Going over to the bed, Arista gently puts an arm around the young woman as she sits next to her. She's quiet for a moment as she lets her cry. Finally she looks at her, "I'm so sorry honey...I wish there was something I could do to make it better, but all I can say is I'm here for you now. You're not alone Corda, you're not going to ever be alone."
She sits there for a minute, "Do you feel like talking about it?" She rubs Corda's back, trying to soothe and comfort her.
Corda was unable to speak, she just cried uncontrollably for several minutes. The young witch did manage to shake her no in answer to Arista's question. Afterwards, she just continued sobbing.
Sometimes when nothing else would do, physical contact was the best comfort. Arista understood her feelings, so she simply wrapped her arms around Corda in a hug and pulled the young woman to her so she could cry. Arista just held her and stroked her hair while talking softly to her, "Shhhh, it's okay. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. It's good to get your feelings out, they shouldn't be all bottled up inside. I don't want you thinking you have to go through this alone, because as long as we are with you...you'll never be alone. We are all here for you Corda, all of us...and we will stand by you no matter what. Just don't shut us out okay?"
She just continues to hold her and rock her a little longer. Arista will let Corda use her shoulder for as long as she needs it. She will wait until Corda is a little more calmed down before talking anymore, but once she is Arista will explain about going with the others to face off with Vencious once and for all, about Drago's brother being taken and how they will have to go get him back after the Tower is dealt with. And finally, she will explain that while there is nothing wrong with expressing her feelings that taking what's happened out on the people around her, people that also love and care about her, is not going to help her situation at all. Arista will let her know that Alethiro will be here for her if she needs anything, even if its just someone to talk to, or another shoulder to cry on, and that it's okay to reach out for help when she needs it.
Elena stirs from her sleep. "Did you have a good evening, love?"
Lying down next to her, the Dhampir replied, "Given the storm that passed through here, yes actually. I feel rather invigorated." Putting an arm around her and pulling her close, Drago continued,"We've decided to head out tomorrow and head for Vencious' tower. Once finished there, we'll try and get Niccolo back. I just hope he can stall Laenid that long."
"So that gives me one last night with you?" Elena asks, her voice becoming more quiet. "I suppose I should make the most of it."
She tenderly kisses Drago and wraps her arms around him.
Releasing Corda from her arms, Arista sits back with just an arm around her shoulders.
"I have to go get some rest now, it's going to be a long journey. We are all meeting at Hadrinn's in the morning for breakfast before we leave for The Tower. You're welcome to join us if you'd like, but we'll understand if you need some time alone. I just wanted a chance to say goodbye if I didn't see you before we left." She pauses, stroking Corda's hair for a moment, "You are a strong woman, and I know that sometimes it seems easier to take on your burdens alone....but...you don't have to." She stands from the bed and looks at Corda again, "Have faith Corda, in Skaar, in yourself, but...have faith in us as well. Try to get some rest dear one....for you and your child's sake."
She turns to walk to the door, pausing before she walks out she looks back at Corda one more time. "We are all a family Corda. We take care of each other....never forget that." With that she leaves the room, closing the door behind her. With tears in her eyes she goes back to her room, and Alethiro.
The next morning comes and everyone meets at Hadrinn's. The dwarf has prepared a sizable farewell feast for everyone. "It's my way of saying good luck."
Getting back to her room, she closes the door and locks it behind her. Taking off her clothing and slipping on one of the cotton nightgowns she lays down in the bed with Alethiro.
She snuggles up to him and puts her arms around him, "This will be our last night together for a while....but, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind...just holding me? I just want to be held tonight and feel you with me, to give me the strength I need to do what must be done."
Putting his arm around her, the Elf gently held her. "I'll miss you."
She sighs and smiles, "I'll miss you too, but once we succeed, Zahvroma will be a much safer place....for all of us. I will carry you with me every day that we are apart...in here..." She puts a hand over her heart, "Your faith in me and our cause, as well as your love will keep me strong and bring me back to you. There is nothing on this plane or any other that could ever prevent me from keeping that promise." Putting her hand up to his face, she caresses his cheek softly as she leans closer to kiss him tenderly. She smiles again as her eyelids start to droop with the heaviness of sleep, "I love you...always."
At Drago's suggestion his family leave, Harakhty silently agreed. The dark cloud that hangs over them will be no good for this place. Granted, he was being hypocritical - and he knew it - but he felt like being selfish. Their conflicts will only draw long the wounds on this land. Harakhty, on the other hand, was here on the express purpose of making the place livable. Sorcerers and murderous mothers didn't exactly fit that bill.
Yet, as Hasina advised him, he should be more trusting of his comrades, so he gave Drago the benefit of the doubt. And I will help rescue Niccolo. He couldn't help but feel bad for Drago: Similar to Harakhty, the man had his own harships which seemed impossibly out of his control. Yet he tried to ameliorate them. The vanara smiled as he picked at his food. And if I help him, perhaps one good turn will deserve another.
Tomorrow's mission was not about that though. Elder Sister's task was deemed - rightfully so - to be of greater import. Sadhana's gift was wrapped in his pack, so they would hopefully start the journey on the right foot. Speaking of which, he went to offer Nethys a final prayer before this new leg of their adventure.
Arriving at the beach where Hasina was, Harakhty looked up into the sky. He didn't understand why people didn't care for the rain. But then there was much he did not understand.
"Lord of Magic, hear my prayer. Your servant moves forward on the morrow to end another one of the shards you sought. Lend your destruction that I may see the task done. Lend your protection so I am not undone. But in neither creation or devastation, give me the wisdom to tell the true foes from the tigers' shadows. In these things I beseech you."
Having already packed expecting to leave today, Harakhty simply returned to his chambers and slept.
Harakhty woke early, and having said his farewells to Hasina yesterday, he made to go thank Hadrinn for his hospitality in his time here. The first of his group present, Harakhty gave him a short bow. "Many thanks, Hadrinn. You have shown us great hospitality in my time here. I fear if this is the last I see you, I would leave a debt of service unpaid." Sometimes the simple things in life are overlooked. "If I return, there must be a day where I may cook for you."
Clara stirs as the sun creeps over her form. "Erastus...the day for family, it's almost ironic that you have to go."
The red-haired paladin touches Sādhanā's cheek as she sleeps. "There are a lot of things I could say...but words come and go."
She lightly kisses her wife, the warmth inside her radiating forth from the ring.
"I love you too." The Elf whispered back.
Sādhanā awakens to a sensation she could only describe as sunlight on her soul. The tender kiss on her lips, and the feel of her wife next to her filled in the blanks for her waking mind, she was feeling herself awash with Clara's love.
The unrestrained passion and need with which they'd made love the night before, as if desperately committing every inch of each other's bodies to the memory of their senses, had left them both exhausted, aglow in the security that their union transcended distance.
Opening her eyes, she stares into her wife's, blue meeting green as a smile, stemming from her heart, spreads across her face.
She simply breathes in the moment, the ring bond speaking volumes she would be hard pressed to find words for.
Clara smiles at her wife and falls on the bed. "We shouldn't tarry. I need to introduce Alethiro to the others, less informally this time. Then we should get some work done on that chapel."
Arista awoke as the suns rays started filtering into the room. Trying not to wake him, she carefully gets out of bed and goes to the window. Using a pillow, she kneels on the floor to say a quiet prayer to Sarenrae. Holding the Holy Symbol that Alethiro had made for her both hands, she bows her head, "Blessed Sarenrae I come humbly before you to ask for your protection and guidance in the days to come, not just for myself...but, for those going with me on this journey, those left here in Valwick, for those that may not even realize that they need it, and for my beloved Alethiro. Give us all the strength to accomplish the things we need to do in the times to come, and bring peace once again to this land. In you I entrust all these things, may I serve you well in the days to come...your faithful servant." She ends her prayer by kissing the Holy Symbol and then gets up. Going to her closet she pulls out a pair of dark breeches, her chainmail, and the green top. Once she's dressed she makes sure to pack everything she needs, including another pair of clothes and leaves everything near the closet where she can grab it.
If Alethiro is still sleeping, she'll go over to the bed and gently wake him. "C'mon Love, it's time to get up and get ready for this day." Sitting down on the bed, she leans over and gives him a kiss.
Opening his eyes, Alethiro smiled and said, "And I'll be sure to pray for you as well while you're gone." Getting up, the Cleric started getting dressed.
"Of course love," Sādhanā says with a smile, leaning in for another brief kiss before getting out of bed. Looking around at their room she smiles at the spots where they'd left clothing discarded, taking in the dirty clothes.
Uttering a brief arcane phrase she makes a gesture, waves of arcane energy sweeping across the room drawing dirt and dust out of material and fabric, forcing it all to coalesce at a point in midair, leaving all of their clothing, bedding as the surfaces of the room spotless. With a portion of her concentration she holds the compressed ball of dirt and grime hovering as she speaks a single arcane word, snapping her fingers as the ball erupts into flame, quickly burning off into nothingness as she waves her other hand, a mini breeze filling the room with the scent of black orchids.
With a smile she looks over her shoulder at her wife, "That should make it a week or two before you need to worry about laundry." she says beginning to don her armor, her gear stacked in an orderly manner the day before near the door.
As she bounces up off of the bed she blushes,"I...thought you were still sleeping love. I'm sorry if I woke you." She shakes her head and giggles slightly as she puts on another ring, her belt, and puts the Holy Symbol around her neck. "At least with hearing like that, we know that when we eventually have children that there will be very little they are able to get away with." She sighs as she goes and puts her boots on. The emerald pendant he gave her also hangs around her neck along with the Holy Symbol he made for her. Taking her brush she tries to smooth out her hair, but it's being very stubborn this morning. Getting frustrated she turns and looks toward Alethiro. Holding out her brush and the flowered silver headband to him she asks, "Do you think you can help me with this mess once you're done getting ready. I seem unable to do anything with it....." She sighs deeply, "Cutting it all off is looking better and better..."
"True, unless of course they have their mother's charm."
Walking over taking the brush, "Certainly my love. But don't do anything as rash as cutting your hair. I like it like this."
Drago awoke the next morning with Elena resting her head on his chest. Stroking her hair he couldn't help but think, How I love this woman.
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Sienna rolls over in the bed and sighs.
"Oh, noble bed, how I shall miss thee!
Ere the frost begins to fall.
I shall remember you sweetly
When I hear the cock's morning call.
My finger shall dreamily trace
The form of crumpled sheets
As I recall a pillow 'neath my face
As the wild wind chills my feet
O sadness and lament,
For a bedroll is my fate
And I shall e'er repent
That I knew you far too late."
Trying to stay still she smiles, "You can be pretty charming yourself, but you also have a sharp mind...charm and quick wit go very well together and can be as equally dangerous." She sighs and pouts while looking at the ends of her hair, "Fine...I won't cut it all off, but maybe I need a little trimmed off....just the ends maybe? It's just so long and bothersom.....we better hurry too before it gets too much later." She sits and tries to be patient as he works with her hair.
"That was clever and beautiful Sienna." Cyna compliments with a smile.
"Where did that come from?" she asks.
"Oh, I used to dabble in poetry," Sienna says, a light blush creeping into her cheeks. "I am really going to miss a bed while we're gone."
"Used to, huh?" Ylrhea says, getting her gear together. "Sounded pretty good to me."
After they are both dressed, Sādhanā makes her way to Hardinn's, hand in hand with Clara.
"Morning, ladies," Hadrinn says to the magus and paladin.
After finishing brushing and braiding his wife's hair, Alethiro stood up and headed towards the door. Once Arista was ready he openned the door. Hanging from the handle was a small, rolled up piece of parchment. The Elf picked it up, untied, openned, and read it. He then handed it to the Aasimar.
Dear Arista and Alethiro,
I am writing this to let you know that I have received the most wonderful news. Sarenrae has come and informed me that Skaar has decided to become one of her followers. She has taken him somewhere so he can help the poor and needy without having to rely upon his battle prowess. And she has also offered to take me to him. I've decided to take her up on it. Thank you for your kindness in trying to help me through this difficult time. I will not forget either of you or the others. Farewell dear friends.
Corda
P.S. If anyone in the group is good at alchemy, they can have my shop.
After lying in bed for a little while, Drago gently woke Elena. "My love, we should probably get up and get something to eat."
With a look of puzzlement on her face she takes the note from him and reads it. After reading it, she wipes her eyes and nods. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm getting so emotional about it. I'm really very happy for her and Skaar. Now maybe they can both find the peace and life that they so richly deserve." Putting the note in her pocket, she looks back up at Alethiro, "Let's continue onto Hadrinns Love, I'm sure the others are already there by now." Taking his hand they walk over to meet up with the others.
Harakhty had just assembled a smattering of food when the couple walked in. "Good morning," he greeted, his voice seemingly unmodified by the task that lay before them. Walking to Sadhana, he reached into his pack. Better late than never. "As promised. I do not know if you have a ritual, but I would rather not postpone this undoing if it is to happen."